I recently replaced a screen on an iPhone 5 and upon
completion I powered up the phone and all functions were working properly.
The phone, however, was searching for service which is typical of a newly powered phone. Several minutes past and the service had still not connected. I powered the phone off and on again which will usually fix the problem.. yet still … no go.
The iPhone 5 Loses Service After Screen Repair
I did a hard reset
Holding the power and home button continuously until the phone shuts down and reboots
no resolution.
I then powered it down, removed the SIM card and cleaned it thoroughly. I then re-installed, powered iPhone 5 back on.
Still no luck
I powered it off, then removed the battery and began examining the iPhone 5 for hardware problems which may have been caused during the screen replacement process.
Nevertheless, everything seemed in order.
I seated all cables and checked for tears or misalignment
I next paid close attention to the
connectors and cables that are associated with 3G reception
there was no visible damage or misalignment
I reassembled and powered the iPhone 5 back up
then checked for SIM in the Settings>General>About
it was there and read the correct number
After calling AT&T support and speaking to the tech they said there is a phenomenon where SIM can be blacklisted from being removed and the iPhone detecting hardware change.
We were preparing for a OTA reset “over the air” reset … before we did that We re-set all settings and powered off device and the SIM alert “locked ” appeared I contacted the client and he gave me the password and moments after I entered it the service returned.
So ….Sometimes a Service can be locked or interrupted because of SIM removal and will require service provider assistance .
Happy Ending.
Thank You AT&T for your fantastic service and assistance
Here is a very helpful guide to avoid backlight problems after the glass replacement of your iPhone.
When preparing to add LOCA onto a cleaned iPhone LCD make sure that you remove the working backlight and apply a non working backlight. This will ensure you do not have LOCA bleed through and ruin your working backlight. Remove the backlight using a soldering iron to remove the 3 prongs that attach the backlight to the LCD cable. Make sure you keep the electrical tape tab that covers the 3 connections and reapply it when you put the good backlight back on. If you leave the backlight connection exposed you have a high probability of shorting the connection on the frame of the iPhone. This can cause backlight problems, such as strobing and potentially short the backlight fuse or coil which are both advanced logic board soldering.
Before Applying the clean backlight
Before you apply the clean backlight you Must blow the excess LOCA glue out from the edges of the LCD screen and the flex cables at the top of the LCD assembly. I use a compressor with a fine tip and blow the glue out from every angle. Then place the cleaned screen under the UV lamp again to cure any residual glue on the back side as well. I highly recommend cleaning the surfaces with Pure Isopropyl Alcohol or Pure Acetone. Be VERY gentle when cleaning or lifting or moving the LCD flex cables as they are extremely delicate and can be easily damaged leaving all of your separation process utterly worthless.
When re-soldering the connection on to the cable make sure that all connections line up with their solder otherwise you could also cause a backlight problems and strobing.
Make sure you keep the electrical tape tab that covers the 3 connections and reapply it when you put the good backlight back on. Otherwise you will short your backlight out and cause strobing. When re-soldering the connection on to the LCD cable make sure that all connections line up with their solder otherwise you could also cause a short and strobing.